The funeral of soap's most notorious villain, played by John Altman, looks well attended, as Phil and Ronnie Mitchell (Steve McFadden and Samantha Womack), Ian and Jane Beale (Adam Woodyatt and Laurie Brett), Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) can all be seen leaving the church.

This marks the end of an era for residents of Albert Square, as Nick was one of the original EastEnders characters and appeared in the very first episode of the show in 1985.

Although he has only been a semi-regular character on the show, the crook's notoriety has gone down in soap history.

ALLO MA?: The funeral party heads off to the grave but there's no sign of Dot [ISO IMAGES]

FUNERAL: Albert Square residents gather to say goodbye [ISO IMAGES]

“Although he has only been a semi-regular character on the show, the crook's notoriety has gone down in soap history”

Viewers have yet to discover how the dodgy dealer met his end but, knowing Nick, it is likely to be something sinister.

The original bad boy's newly-found son Charlie, played by Declan Bennett, is also seen walking behind his coffin.

But his long-suffering mother Dot is nowhere to be seen.

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON?: Nick's newly-found son Charlie leaves the church [ISO IMAGES]